JP4586443B2 - Information provision device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information providing equipment.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes an audio reproduction apparatus that automatically selects and reproduces music pieces that match user preferences according to circumstances.

According to the audio reproduction device described in Patent Document 1, search information is automatically added to a plurality of songs according to the surrounding environment when the song is played, the user's situation, the date, and the like. Therefore, using the added search information, a song suitable for the surrounding environment, the user's situation, the date and time can be reproduced. Further, for example, when driving on a highway at midnight, it is possible to prevent the reproduction of music that is inappropriate to be played, which invites the driver to sleep.
JP 2003-140664 A

  According to the audio reproduction device, it is possible to reproduce a song suitable for the surrounding environment, the user's situation, or the like, or not to reproduce an unsuitable song. However, it is not considered to guide the user's state to a more desirable state, for example, to guide the driver's state to a state more suitable for driving.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information providing apparatus that can guide the user's action so that the user's state becomes a more desirable state. .

The information providing apparatus according to the present invention describes state estimation means for estimating a person's state, a plurality of information to be presented to a person, and what information is presented in what order. A plurality of guidance directions associated with the state of the person, and a person's behavior is derived from the plurality of guidance directions stored in the storage means based on the state of the person estimated by the state estimation means. An information configuration unit that randomly selects one guidance direction to be configured, and configures an information string to be presented to the person using a plurality of information stored in the storage unit according to the selected one guidance direction; And an output means for outputting an information string constituted by the information constituting means.

According to the information providing equipment according to the present invention, based on the state of the estimated human, guidance direction for the status of the person to a more desirable state is set. And presentation information is comprised using the some information memorize | stored in the memory | storage means according to the set guidance direction. As a result, it is possible to present a person with an information string having an intention according to the guidance direction.

  The information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a human body information detection sensor that detects human body information related to a person's biological information and an operating state, and the state estimation means is based on the human body information detected by the human body information detection sensor. It is preferable to estimate at least one of a state or a psychological state.

  In this way, it is possible to estimate a person's physiological state and psychological state by detecting biological information such as heart rate and pulse rate, and human body information related to an operating state such as a face orientation and a pupil diameter.

  The information is preferably composed of audio information or a combination of audio information and image information. In this case, for example, a virtual radio program corresponding to the guidance direction can be configured by combining voice information such as news, music, dialogue, quiz, and the like. Further, by configuring the audio information and the image information in combination, a virtual television program corresponding to the guidance direction can be configured.

  The information preferably includes at least one of product information and service information. In this way, it is possible to present information on products and services that make the human state more desirable.

The information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a charging unit that charges a fee to a provider of product information or service information when the product information or service information is included in the information string configured by the information configuration unit. preferable.

  According to this, when information on products or services that make a person's state more desirable is presented, it is possible to charge the compensation for the advertisement to the person who provides the information.

The information providing apparatus according to the present invention includes a line-of-sight detection unit that detects a line of sight of a person, and the information configuration unit configures an information sequence to be presented to the person, further considering the line of sight detected by the line-of-sight detection unit. Is preferred.

  In this way, since it is possible to determine whether or not there is an interest in the information content based on the detected line of sight, it is possible to configure the information content according to the interest of the person presented with the information. As a result, it is possible to improve the influence of the information provided.

  According to the present invention, since the configuration is such that the presentation information is configured according to the guidance direction set based on the state of the person who receives the information, that is, the user, so that the user's state becomes a more desirable state, It is possible to guide the user's action.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the figure, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

  First, the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the case where the person who receives the information is the driver of the vehicle will be described as an example.

(First embodiment)
The information providing device 1 provides various types of information to the driver of the vehicle by display output on a display, sound output from a speaker, or the like. In the information providing device 1, the state of the driver is estimated based on various human body information obtained from the driver. And in the information provision apparatus 1, while setting the direction which guide | induces a driver | operator's action from the estimated driver | operator state, the information shown to a driver | operator is comprised and output according to the set guidance direction. For this purpose, the information providing apparatus 1 includes a heart rate sensor 10, an image sensor 11, and an electronic control device (hereinafter referred to as “ECU”) 12. The ECU 12 includes a state estimation unit 13, an information storage unit 14, and an information configuration unit 15. It is configured. Further, the information providing apparatus 1 includes an information output apparatus 16 having various functions such as navigation as information presenting means.

  The heart rate sensor 10 is a sensor that detects a driver's heart rate, which is biological information. The heart rate sensor 10 outputs the detected heart rate to the ECU 12 as a heart rate signal. By the way, when a person's arousal level decreases, the heart rate decreases. As sensors for detecting the driver's biological information, in addition to the heart rate sensor 10 for detecting the driver's heart rate, a skin resistance reflection sensor (GSR) for detecting the driver's mental current skin resistance, and the driver's breathing. A sensor that detects the number, a sensor that detects the blood pressure of the driver, and the like can be used.

  The image sensor 11 includes a camera and an image processing device, and is a sensor that detects an operation state of the driver. For example, in the image sensor 11, a driver's face is imaged with a camera, a pupil is recognized from the captured image by an image processing device, and a pupil diameter is measured. Then, the image sensor 11 outputs the detected pupil diameter to the ECU 12 as an image signal. Incidentally, blinking can be detected from the pupil diameter. By the way, if the arousal level decreases, the number of blinks increases. In addition to the image sensor 11, a sensor that detects the steering angle of the steering wheel, a sensor that detects the amount of accelerator depression, and the like can be used as the sensor that detects the driver's operation state. The heart rate sensor 10 and the image sensor 11 function as a human body information detection sensor.

  The ECU 12 includes a microprocessor that performs calculations, a ROM that stores programs for causing the microprocessor to execute each process, a RAM that stores various data such as calculation results, and a backup RAM in which the stored contents are held by a 12V battery. It is comprised by.

  The state estimation unit 13 reads the heartbeat signal from the heartbeat sensor 10 and the image signal from the image sensor 11 at regular intervals, and estimates the driver's physiological state and psychological state based on the heartbeat signal and the image signal. That is, the state estimation unit 13 functions as a state estimation unit. The state of the driver estimated by the state estimation unit 13 is output to the information configuration unit 15.

  The information storage unit 14 stores information to be presented to the driver. Examples of information stored in the information storage unit 14 include image information and audio information of still images and moving images. It is also possible to store numerical information such as the strength and timing for vibrating the seat, numerical information such as the air volume of the air conditioner, the wind direction and temperature, and the like. That is, the information storage unit 14 functions as a storage unit. The information storage unit 14 is connected to the information configuration unit 15 and outputs the various types of information to the information configuration unit 15.

  The information configuration unit 15 sets a direction for inducing the driver's state based on the driver's state estimated by the state estimation unit 13. Then, according to the set guidance direction, a combination of various information stored in the information storage unit 14 is configured, and an information string that guides the driver's behavior so that the driver's state becomes a more desirable state. Generate. That is, the information configuration unit 15 functions as an information configuration unit. The information sequence configured in the information configuration unit 15 is output to the information output device 16.

  The information output device 16 presents the information string input from the information configuration unit 15 to the driver. The information output device 16 includes a display for displaying video information, a speaker for reproducing audio information, an actuator that vibrates a handle or a seat, an air conditioner that adjusts the air environment in the vehicle interior, and the like. Is done. That is, the information output device 16 functions as an output unit.

  Next, the operation of the information providing apparatus 1 and the information providing method will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of information presentation processing by the information providing apparatus 1.

  First, the state estimation unit 13 estimates a driver's physiological state, psychological state, and the like based on the read heartbeat signal and image signal. Hereinafter, a case where the state estimation unit 13 estimates that the driver feels sleepy will be described as an example.

The information storage unit 14 stores a guidance direction (scenario) and information contents to be presented for each state and driving environment of the driver. Table 1 shows an example of information stored in the information storage unit 14.

  In Table 1, three states of sleepiness, fatigue, and hunger are shown as the state of the driver. In addition, it cannot be overemphasized that a driver | operator's state is not restricted to these, Even more states can also be memorize | stored. Classification according to the driving environment is performed for each state of the driver. In Table 1, the classification of a general road or a highway is shown. A general road or a highway can be determined from map information provided for car navigation, vehicle speed information, and the like. The driving environment may be further finely divided according to the sensor provided in the vehicle. For example, a general road may be classified into an urban area, a suburb, a mountain road, and the like. Further, the traveling environment may be further classified by adding another element such as time.

  Further, a plurality of directions (scenarios) for guiding the driver are stored according to the driver's state and the driving environment. This scenario is a label for a presentation information sequence that describes what information is presented in what order. In the example of Table 1, five scenarios are stored as scenarios that can be selected when the driver feels sleepy and the driving environment is a general road. In addition, when a plurality of selectable scenarios are stored in the same state and the same driving environment, the scenarios may be selected at random, or the same scenario may not be continued with reference to the past selection history. You may choose. Moreover, you may select according to other information, for example, the position of the own vehicle identified with the car navigation system, and the facilities (gasoline station, convenience store, park, etc.) which exist in the circumference | surroundings. Furthermore, other methods can be employed.

  In the information configuration unit 15, the scenario stored in the information storage unit 14 is selected in accordance with the state of the driver input from the state estimation unit 13, that is, the state where the driver feels sleepy. And according to the selected scenario, the information sequence presented to the driver is constructed and output. Here, the case where the guidance to the gas station, which is one of the above five scenarios, is selected will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step S100, the position of the gas station is highlighted on the map around the vehicle displayed on the display constituting the information output device 16. As a result, it is possible to increase the possibility that the driver notices the presence of the gas station and stops at the gas station to get out of the vehicle.

  In the following step S102, a determination is made as to whether or not the driver has stopped at the gas station and got off the vehicle. Here, when the driver stops and gets off the vehicle, the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the driver is not getting off, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, a determination is made as to whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed after starting the highlighting of the gas station position. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100, and the processes in steps S100 to S104 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, a determination is made as to whether or not the remaining amount of gasoline is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Here, if the remaining amount of gasoline is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the remaining amount of gasoline is displayed on the display in step S108. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, when the gasoline remaining amount is greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S110.

  The remaining amount of gasoline is displayed even when the driver does not feel sleepy. If it is estimated that the driver feels sleepy, whether or not the remaining amount is displayed as compared to the case where the driver does not feel sleepy. The threshold value (predetermined value) for determining is increased. That is, when it is estimated that the person feels sleepy, the remaining amount is displayed in a state where the remaining amount of gasoline is larger than usual. This can increase the possibility that the driver will stop at the gas station. Note that the information displayed at this time is the remaining amount of gasoline and not a warning prompting the refueling of gasoline.

  In step S110, a determination is made as to whether or not the amount of engine oil contamination is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the amount of engine oil contamination is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the amount of engine oil contamination is displayed on the display in step S112. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if the amount of engine oil contamination is smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S114.

  When it is estimated that the person feels sleepy, the threshold value (predetermined value) for determining whether or not to display the amount of dirt of the engine oil is set lower than in the case where it is not so. That is, when it is estimated that the person feels sleepy, the amount of dirt is displayed in a state where the dirt of the engine oil is less than usual. Further, as in the case of the gasoline remaining amount display, the information displayed at this time is the amount of dirt of the engine oil and is not a warning prompting the replacement of the engine oil.

  In step S114, a determination is made as to whether or not the amount of dirt on the air filter is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. If the amount of dirt on the air filter is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the amount of dirt on the air filter is displayed on the display in step S116. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, when the amount of dirt on the air filter is smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S118.

  When it is estimated that the person feels sleepy, the threshold value (predetermined value) for determining whether or not to display the dirt amount of the air filter is set lower than in the case where it is not so. That is, when it is estimated that the user feels sleepy, the amount of dirt is displayed in a state where the dirt of the air filter is less than usual. Further, as in the case of the gasoline remaining amount display, the information displayed at this time is the amount of dirt on the air filter and is not a warning prompting the replacement of the air filter.

  In step S118, a determination is made as to whether or not the tire air pressure is below a predetermined value. Here, if the tire air pressure is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the tire air pressure is displayed on the display in step S120. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if the tire air pressure is higher than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S122.

  When it is estimated that the person feels sleepy, the threshold value (predetermined value) for determining whether or not to display the tire pressure is set higher than in the case where it is not so. That is, when it is estimated that the person feels sleepy, the air pressure is displayed in a state where the tire air pressure is higher than normal. Further, as with the gasoline remaining amount display, the information presented at this time is the tire air pressure. By displaying the dirt amount of the engine oil, the dirt amount of the air filter, and the tire pressure, it is possible to prompt the driver to stop at the gas station.

  When the remaining amount of gasoline, the amount of engine oil contamination, the amount of air filter contamination, and the tire pressure are all good, in step S122, the elapsed time from the start of the vehicle operation, that is, the continuous operation time is displayed on the display. .

  In the following step S124, a determination is made as to whether or not the driver has stopped at the gas station and got off the vehicle. Here, when the driver stops and gets off the vehicle, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the driver is not getting off, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, a determination is made as to whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the start of display of the remaining amount of gasoline, the amount of engine oil contamination, the amount of air filter contamination, tire pressure, or continuous operation time. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S106, and the processes in steps S106 to S126 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the set temperature of the air conditioner is lowered by a certain temperature (for example, 2 degrees). By lowering the temperature in the passenger compartment, it is possible to increase the possibility of making the driver urine and stopping at the gas station highlighted on the display device.

  In the subsequent step S132, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the set temperature was lowered. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S130, and the processes in steps S130 and S132 are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process is terminated.

  According to this embodiment, the driver's state is guided to a desired state for driving by estimating the driver's state and presenting a combination of a plurality of information for realizing a scenario according to the driver's state. It becomes possible to do. As a result, the driver can drive the vehicle more comfortably.

  Conventionally, when it is determined that the driver feels sleepy, sleepiness is prevented by outputting a warning sound from a speaker, for example. However, with such a warning method, the driver may feel that he / she has been pointed out, feel uncomfortable with the warning sound, and may switch the system to a non-operating state. Moreover, since the driver is accustomed to the monotonous warning method, the warning effect may be reduced.

  According to the present embodiment, by configuring and presenting a plurality of information according to the driver's state, without giving a warning directly to the driver, the driver's state becomes a more desirable state. The driver's action can be indirectly induced. Therefore, the driver can comfortably drive the vehicle without feeling uncomfortable with the system. In addition, by preparing a plurality of scenarios that can be selected in the same state and in the same driving environment, the driver's familiarity can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 3, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the information storage unit 14 configured in the ECU 12 mounted on the vehicle is provided in a base station (service center) 20 installed outside the vehicle. It is. Accordingly, the ECU 12 includes a communication module 17 that exchanges information between the ECU 12 and the base station 20. On the other hand, the base station 20, in addition to the information storage unit 23 that stores information to be presented to the driver, the communication module 21 that exchanges information with the ECU 12, and the information that is transmitted to the ECU 12 according to the state of the driver. The information selection part 22 to select is provided. Other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The communication module 17 transmits the driver state information and the like estimated by the state estimation unit 13 to the base station 20, receives various information transmitted from the base station 20, and outputs the information to the information configuration unit 15. Is. The communication module 21 receives driver status information and the like transmitted from the ECU 12 and outputs the information to the information selection unit 22, and transmits various information output from the information selection unit 22 to the ECU 12. The ECU 12 and the base station 20 are configured to exchange information with each other via the communication module 17 and the communication module 21. That is, the communication module 17 and the communication module 21 function as communication means.

  The information selection unit 22 selects information to be transmitted to the ECU 12 from various information stored in the information storage unit 23 according to the driver state information received by the communication module 21 and outputs the information to the communication module 21. To do.

  Similar to the information storage unit 14, the information storage unit 23 stores information to be presented to the driver. That is, the information storage unit 23 functions as a storage unit. Examples of information stored in the information storage unit 23 include image information and audio information of still images and moving images. It is also possible to store numerical information such as the strength and timing for vibrating the seat, numerical information such as the air volume of the air conditioner, the wind direction and temperature, and the like. The information storage unit 23 is connected to the information selection unit 22 and outputs the various types of information to the information selection unit 22. The information storage unit 23 is configured to be able to update and add information contents. This information is updated and added by the service provider, not the driver.

  Next, the operation of the information providing apparatus 2 and the information providing method will be described. Here, the case where it is estimated that the driver feels sleepy in the state estimation unit 13 will be described as an example. Further, a case where the information content presented to the driver is audio information that can form a virtual radio program will be described as an example.

  In the state estimation unit 13, when it is estimated that the driver feels sleepy, information to that effect is transmitted from the communication module 17 to the communication module 21. Information indicating that the driver feels drowsiness received by the communication module 21 is output to the information selection unit 22. The information selection unit 22 selects voice information stored in the information storage unit 23 based on the input driver state information, that is, information that the driver feels sleepy. Information selected by the information selection unit 22 is output to the information configuration unit 15 via the communication module 21 and the communication module 17.

Here, for example, audio information (content) shown in Table 2 is stored in the information storage unit 23.

  As shown in Table 2, audio information is stored in a state in which information such as a content name, a type representing contents, and time is added for each field such as news, music, and information. In Table 2, the content name is described as news 1 or song 1 or the like, but a content name or song title that appropriately represents the content of the news may be used. In addition, more fields, types, and numbers of information may be prepared.

  In the information configuration unit 15, a virtual radio program is configured by combining audio information received by the communication module 17. Then, the virtual radio program configured in the information configuration unit 15 is output from a speaker configuring the information output device 16.

  Here, at the normal time, the appearance order (scenario) of each content is determined in advance and presented according to the scenario. For example, a virtual radio program can be created by composing scenarios such as 5 news, 2 songs, 2 information, 3 songs, 2 information, 2 songs, 5 news in one hour. Can be configured. As for the appearance order of the content field, a plurality of patterns may be prepared according to the program form, or a part of the appearance order and the number of times may be changed at random. Also, a pattern may be prepared for each time zone, or the driver's preference may be learned and changed.

  The type of content appearing in each field is randomly presented according to a preset appearance rate. For example, as shown in Table 2, in the news field, traffic accident news and traffic jam news each have an appearance rate of 5%, and economic news, political news, and social news each have an appearance rate of 30%.

Next, a case where the driver feels sleepy will be described. When it is estimated that the driver feels drowsy, for example, as shown in Table 3, the appearance ratio of each information is changed in order to guide the driver to increase the driver's arousal level.

  As shown in Table 3, in the news field, the appearance ratio of traffic accident news and traffic jam news is increased, and the appearance ratio of other news is decreased.

  In the music field, the appearance ratio of pops and rocks is increased, and the appearance ratio of other music is decreased. It is possible to prevent the driver's sleepiness from continuing by preferentially presenting music types that are relatively less sleepy than jazz or classical music.

  In the information field, the rate of appearance of cars and safe driving is increased, while the rate of appearance of other information is decreased. For example, in the safe driving content, it is possible to guide the driver to take a break by presenting information such as stopping the car at regular intervals and performing light exercise.

  The appearance ratio of each content may be changed according to the degree of sleepiness estimated by the state estimation unit 13. Further, the scenario itself may be changed according to the state of the driver. For example, when drowsiness is detected, the number of songs is reduced and information content is increased, such as 5 news, 1 song, 5 information, 1 song, 5 information, 1 song, 5 news. You may make it present. When sleepiness is detected in the audio output (volume), only content related to safe driving may be played with a loud sound.

  Note that a virtual television program can be configured by combining video information and audio information as information content. A virtual website can also be configured by combining video information, audio information, character information, and other computer-readable information.

  According to this embodiment, the behavior of the driver is changed so that the driver's state becomes a more desirable state by changing the appearance ratio of the contents constituting the virtual radio program according to the driver's state. Can be guided. At this time, since the driver recognizes the virtual radio program as a general radio program, the driver can be guided to a comfortable driving state without causing discomfort to the driver.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the information storage unit 23 is installed in the base station 20 outside the vehicle, restrictions due to storage capacity, for example, restrictions on the type and amount of content, etc. are eased, Content can be updated and added at any time. Therefore, since the content presented to the driver is diversified, it is possible to prevent the driver from getting used to the content as in the case of a normal radio program.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 4, the same or equivalent components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The present embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that, in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, the base station 20 outside the vehicle stores a purchase promotion information storage unit 25 that stores information for promoting the purchase of goods and services. The purchase promotion information selection unit 24 is selected according to the state of the driver and added to a series of information strings. Here, examples of information for promoting the purchase of goods or services include radio and television product information and service information (commercial). Other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, the operation of the information providing device 3 will be described. In the state estimation unit 13, when it is estimated that the driver feels sleepy, information to that effect is transmitted from the communication module 17 to the communication module 21. Information received by the communication module 21 that the driver feels sleepy is output to the information selection unit 22 and the purchase promotion information selection unit 24, respectively. The information selection unit 22 selects information stored in the information storage unit 23 based on the inputted driver state information, that is, information that the driver feels sleepy. Further, the purchase promotion information selection unit 24 selects information stored in the purchase promotion information storage unit 25 based on the information that the driver feels sleepy. The information selected by the information selection unit 22 and the information selected by the purchase promotion information selection unit 24 are output to the information configuration unit 15 via the communication module 21 and the communication module 17, respectively.

  In the information configuration unit 15, information received by the communication module 17 is combined to form a scenario of information to be presented to the driver. Scenarios are, for example, news 5 times, commercial 3 times, song 2 times, information 2 times, commercial 3 times, song 3 times, information 2 times, music 3 times, song 2 times, commercial 3 times, news 5 times, etc. Configured.

  Here, when the driver is in a normal state, the commercial to be presented is predetermined as in the case of a normal radio program. On the other hand, when the driver's state is not a normal state, the content of the presented commercial is changed according to the state of the driver estimated by the state estimating unit 13.

  When the state estimation unit 13 estimates that the driver feels sleepy, one method for increasing the driver's arousal level is to guide the chewing gum. Therefore, in this case, the content of the commercial presented to the driver is changed to a gum commercial. In this case, gum is a suitable commodity to guide the driver's state to a more desirable state. Here, if the product commercial of gum that can improve the arousal level is presented to the driver, the possibility that the driver will take the action of purchasing gum increases, and the state of the driver is more suitable for driving Can be guided to.

  At this time, a store where the gum can be purchased may be highlighted on a map displayed on the display. In addition to gum, other products such as coffee to improve the arousal level and services such as massage may be presented in the same manner.

  According to this embodiment, by presenting product information and service information that guides the driver's state to a more desirable state, the driver can be induced to take action to wake up sleepiness. A comfortable driving can be provided to the driver. A commercial may be inserted immediately after the content that is highly interested by the driver. In this case, the driver can be guided more effectively.

  Further, since the commercial to be presented is appropriately selected according to the state of the driver, the advertising effect can be improved as compared with the case where the commercial is usually presented.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 5, the same or equivalent components as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  This embodiment is different from the third embodiment in addition to the configuration of the third embodiment, a selection information storage unit 26 connected to the purchase promotion information selection unit 24 and a price accounting unit connected to the selection information storage unit 26 27. Other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the third embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The selection information storage unit 26 stores the number of commercials selected by the purchase promotion information selection unit 24, the time zone, the state of the driver at that time, and the like. In addition, the consideration charging unit 27 charges the consideration for the commercial presentation to the product or service provider based on the information stored in the selection information storage unit 26.

  According to the present embodiment, when information on a product or service that induces the driver to a more desirable state is presented, the consideration for the advertisement of the product or service is collected from the person who provides the product or service. Is possible.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the information providing apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a line-of-sight detection unit 18 and a field of interest determination unit 19 are provided in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as or similar to those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The line-of-sight detection unit 18 detects the driver's line-of-sight direction, movement of the line of sight, and the like from the image of the driver's face captured by the image sensor 11 by performing processing based on the theory of pattern recognition and stereo stereoscopic vision. . That is, the line-of-sight detection unit 18 functions as a line-of-sight detection unit. Information such as the detected line-of-sight direction of the driver is output to the field of interest determination unit 19.

  The field-of-interest determination unit 19 determines whether the driver is interested in the content being presented based on information such as the driver's line-of-sight direction input from the line-of-sight detection unit 18. The determination result is output to the information configuration unit 15.

  The interest area determination unit 19 determines that the driver is interested in the content being presented when the driver's line of sight has stayed in the vicinity of the display presenting the content for a predetermined time or longer. . This uses the human psychological characteristic known as the cocktail party effect. The cocktail party effect is a human psychological characteristic that even if it is a conversation that is normally buried in noise and cannot be heard, it will immediately be heard when it is related to or interested in you. is there. At that time, it is also empirically clear that the head and line of sight are directed in the direction of the sound.

  More specifically, whether or not the driver is gazing at the display is determined as follows. First, the display viewed from the driver is set as shown by the solid line in FIG. FIG. 7 shows a rectangular display viewed from an oblique lateral direction. A range in which the driver is gazing at the display of a rectangular frame (rectangular frame indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 7) obtained by expanding the rectangular frame indicating the display by a predetermined angle, for example, 1 degree with the driver's line-of-sight angle. Set as.

  If the driver's line of sight is stopped for a predetermined time or more, for example, 1 second or more within a range in which the driver is considered to be watching the display, it is determined that the driver is watching the display. This time of 1 second is an example, and an optimal time may be obtained experimentally. Also, when multiple gazes are observed during the presentation of the same content, the cumulative total gaze time is stored as the cumulative gaze time in the content presentation, and the cumulative gaze time is a predetermined time or more Alternatively, it may be determined that the driver is gazing at the display.

In the information configuration unit 15, the content appearance ratio is corrected based on the determination result input from the field of interest determination unit 19. When it is determined that the driver is interested in a certain content, the appearance ratio of the content is increased. Here, Table 4 shows a modification example of the content appearance ratio.

  Table 4 shows the change in the appearance ratio when the cumulative gaze time when presenting the content related to the car is the longest. The appearance ratio of normal car content is 10%, but the appearance ratio after correction has increased to 20%. On the other hand, the appearance ratio of the life content with the shortest cumulative gaze time has decreased from 40% to 30%. Note that the increase / decrease width of the appearance ratio can be fixed, for example, 10%. Moreover, you may adjust according to accumulation gaze time.

  According to the present embodiment, by increasing the appearance ratio of the content that the driver has shown an interest in, it is possible to preferentially present the content that the driver is highly interested in, so the influence of information on the driver can be reduced. This can improve the driving behavior of the driver more effectively.

  Further, by adding different types of content as needed and measuring the cumulative gaze time, it is possible to comprehensively capture the driver's field of interest and to track changes in the field of interest. Therefore, it is possible to further strengthen the action as an entertainment device.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, the mounting location of the information providing apparatus is not limited to a vehicle. The person who receives the information is not limited to the driver of the vehicle.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information provision apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the information presentation process by the information provision apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information provision apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information provision apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information provision apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information provision apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the movement locus | trajectory of a driver | operator's eyes | visual_axis.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... Information provision apparatus, 10 ... Heart rate sensor, 11 ... Image sensor, 12 ... ECU, 13 ... State estimation part, 14 ... Information storage part, 15 ... Information structure part, 16 ... Information output Device: 17 ... Communication module, 18 ... Eye-gaze detection unit, 19 ... Interest field determination unit, 20 ... Base station, 21 ... Communication module, 22 ... Information selection unit, 23 ... Information storage unit, 24 ... Purchasing promotion information selection unit, 25... Purchasing promotion information storage unit, 26... Selection information storage unit, 27.

Claims (7)

State estimation means for estimating a person's state;
Storage means for storing a plurality of information to be presented to the person and a plurality of guidance directions associated with the state of the person, describing what information is presented in what order; ,
Based on the state of the person estimated by the state estimation means, one guidance direction for guiding the person's action is randomly selected from the plurality of guidance directions stored in the storage means and selected. Information composing means for composing an information string to be presented to the person using the plurality of information stored in the storage means according to the one guiding direction;
An information providing apparatus comprising: an output unit configured to output an information sequence configured by the information configuration unit. A human body information detection sensor for detecting human body information related to human biological information and operation state,
2. The information provision according to claim 1, wherein the state estimation unit estimates at least one of a physiological state or a psychological state of the person based on human body information detected by the human body information detection sensor. apparatus.   The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is audio information.   The information providing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is configured by a combination of audio information and image information.   The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the information includes at least one of product information and service information.   The apparatus further comprises charging means for charging a consideration to a provider of the product information or service information when the product information or service information is included in the information sequence configured by the information configuration means. 5. The information providing apparatus according to 5. Gaze detection means for detecting the gaze of the person,
The said information structure means comprises the said information row | line | column presented to the said person further considering the said gaze detected by the said gaze detection means, The any one of Claims 1-6 characterized by the above-mentioned. Information provision device.

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